General response/reaction:I absolutely loved this book and plan to read the rest of the series. It caught my attention right away. It was an interesting story plot and pulled you in. I would recommend this book to both boys and girls, but I feel that more girls would like it, due to the story line of romance between the two main characters. It has both vampires and romance. Unlike many books I have to read for classes, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and read it within two days. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone and have already told my roommates to read it.

Subjects, Themes, and Big Ideas:Trust and loyalty seem to be two big themes within this book. Bella has to learn to trust Edward and know that he will always be there for her and always, at least try, to protect her. Edward has to trust Bella in the way that she can not tell his family’s secret; which is that they are all vampires. Bella becomes loyal to Edward and his family and even at the end, wants to sacrifice herself so Edward’s family won’t get hurt. I also feel that a first impression is a subject in this book. The first time Bella saw Edward she thought he did not like her. Then she thought he transferred schools because of something she did to him. We later find out it was because of her, but in a loving way.Characters:Bella has just moved from Phoenix to live with her dad in the small town of Forks. She is a quiet girl and very clumsy. Edward Cullen is adopted but is perfect in every way but keeps to himself. Charlie is Bella’s dad and also the chief of police. Alice, Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett are Edward’s brothers and sisters, who also all keep to their selves. Jessica is Bella’s best friend. Carlisle Cullen is the town’s doctor, a good man and Edward’s father. Billy is Charlie’s best friend, who is from the reservation, and believes the Cullen family is trouble. Jacob is Billy’s son, who grew up with Bella and who does not believe his father’s superstitions.

Plot summary:Bella decides to move in with her dad who lives in a small town. She falls deeply in love with Edward, who talks to no one but her and his family. She finds out his family is a bunch of vampires, but who only hunt animals. Soon another vampire, one who hunts humans, begins to chase Bella and catches her. He bites her but Edward saves her by sucking out the venom.

Strengths (including reviews and awards):• A New York Times best seller• It is being turned into a movie• School Library Journal Best Books, 2005• YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2006• YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, 2006

Drawbacks or other cautions:There are scenes of graphic violence at the end. Some parents might not want their children reading it due to the whole vampire idea.

Teaching ideas:• Students could write a different ending for the book• Read just a little bit of the book and have the students discuss what they think Edward’s secret is• Have the students respond if they were Bella, if they would continue their relationship with Edward, after they found out he was a vampire• Have your students write a journal response, on if they were a vampire, and if they would pursue a relationship with a human• The students could act out their favorite scene from Twilight• The students could write a response to the very end of the book, and discuss if they would of done what Bella would of done and gone to see James, knowing she would probably die.